Description

This discussion explored critical legal, ethical, scientific, and social issues raised by research involving non-human primates and the research centers that house them. Topics included what the current regulatory structure requires and permits, what gaps exist, what enforcement problems have arisen, and how they are being addressed at Harvard and elsewhere. Panelists also examined how scientific and medical interests should be balanced against the interests of the animals, and how the ethical and/or regulatory analysis might differ depending on the type of primate involved. Finally, they also considered emerging trends in funding, scientific approaches, and public opinion.